Method, Device, and Software Application for Combining Laser Firearm or non-firearm Target or Force on Force Training with a Smartphone or tablet or integrated webcam for laptop computers or any USB or wireless webcam providing a Physical Target and Software Application

ABSTRACT

A physical target that can be attached to a smartphone or other similar mobile device for providing a laser (or projectile) firearm target and an application software for providing, controlling, and recording practice sessions. The present invention teaches the combination of a base target, an attachment clip located on a front or backside of a colored, interchangeable screens that can be removably attached to the base target, variably sized and shaped adapters, which are removably attached to the base target and cover the interchangeable screens. The items of the present invention can be stored and transported in an EVA Hard Carry Case or other cases. The software application taught by the present invention enables a plurality of features, including a par time feature, a number of shots feature, and an auto restart feature.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a smartphone, tablet, or integrated/wired/wireless webcam device for laptop computers which can be directly or wirelessly connected into the multi target setting to shoot more than one target where all history for time, shot, and placements is recorded and stored. More particularly, the invention relates to providing a physical target that can be attached to a smartphone or tablet or other similar mobile or USB or wireless device for providing a laser (or sound/vibration) firearm target and an application software for providing, controlling, and recording practice sessions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dry fire (without live ammunition) training for with firearms or laser/non-laser simulator, or airsoft has become a very popular. Recent products have utilized smartphone, tablets, or integrated webcams for laptop computers or any USB or wireless webcams to create an in home shooting experience to users, where smartphone, tables, USB, wireless, or integrated cameras replicate realistic sounds and visuals.

Unfortunately, current systems, such as those intended to provide a software application to screen share or cast images to TV/projectors require additional expense. While they provide in-home practice experiences, they are not easily portable.

Other systems require additional paper targets plus calibration process. Additional disadvantages include needing a specific environment (dim light and no sunlight)

Thus, what is needed is a portable, easy dry fire practice solution that can provide firearm training anywhere, using existing hardware that a user would readily have, like a smartphone, tablet, or other integrated/wireless/USB imaging devices, in combination with a dry fire simulators firearms (that use laser or projectiles) or a real firearm utilizing dry fire laser devices.

Additionally, what is needed is a software application for smartphones/computers that can provide a firearm training session and, in combination with a target and laser/projectile detection device, record and provide easily changeable targets.

DEFINITIONS

Unless stated to the contrary, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the following terms shall have the following definitions:

“Application software” is a set of one or more programs designed to carry out operations for a specific application. Application software cannot run on itself but is dependent on system software to execute. Examples of application software include MS Word, MS Excel, a console game, a library management system, a spreadsheet system etc. The term is used to distinguish such software from another type of computer program referred to as system software, which manages and integrates a computer's capabilities but does not directly perform tasks that benefit the user. The system software serves the application, which in turn serves the user.

The term “app” is a shortening of the term “application software”. It has become very popular and in 2010 was listed as “Word of the Year” by the American Dialect Society

“Apps” are usually available through application distribution platforms, which began appearing in 2008 and are typically operated by the owner of the mobile operating system. Some apps are free, while others must be bought. Usually, they are downloaded from the platform to a target device, but sometimes they can be downloaded to laptops or desktop computers.

“API” In computer programming, an application programming interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications. An API expresses a software component in terms of its operations, inputs, outputs, and underlying types. An API defines functionalities that are independent of their respective implementations, which allows definitions and implementations to vary without compromising each other.

“GUI”. In computing, a graphical user interface (GUI) sometimes pronounced “gooey” (or “gee-you-eye”)) is a type of interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators such as secondary notation, as opposed to text-based interfaces, typed command labels or text navigation. GUIs were introduced in reaction to the perceived steep learning curve of command-line interfaces (CLIs), which require commands to be typed on the keyboard.

A “mobile app” is a computer program designed to run on smartphones, tablet computers and other mobile devices, which the Applicant/Inventor refers to generically as “a computing device”, which is not intended to be all inclusive of all computers and mobile devices that are capable of executing software applications.

A “mobile device” is a generic term used to refer to a variety of devices that allow people to access data and information from wherever they are. This includes cell phones and other portable devices such as, but not limited to, PDAs, Pads, smartphones, and laptop computers.

A “module” in software is a part of a program. Programs are composed of one or more independently developed modules that are not combined until the program is linked. A single module can contain one or several routines or steps.

A “module” in hardware, is a self-contained component.\A “software application” is a program or group of programs designed for end users. Application software can be divided into two general classes: systems software and applications software. Systems software consists of low-level programs that interact with the computer at a very basic level. This includes operating systems, compilers, and utilities for managing computer resources. In contrast, applications software (also called end-user programs) includes database programs, word processors, and spreadsheets. Figuratively speaking, applications software sits on top of systems software because it is unable to run without the operating system and system utilities.

A “software module” is a file that contains instructions. “Module” implies a single executable file that is only a part of the application, such as a DLL. When referring to an entire program, the terms “application” and “software program” are typically used. A software module is defined as a series of process steps stored in an electronic memory of an electronic device and executed by the processor of an electronic device such as a computer, pad, smart phone, or other equivalent device known in the prior art.

A “software application module” is a program or group of programs designed for end users that contains one or more files that contains instructions to be executed by a computer or other equivalent device.

A “computer system” or “system” consists of hardware components that have been carefully chosen so that they work well together and software components or programs that run in the computer. The main software component is itself an operating system that manages and provides services to other programs that can be run in the computer. The complete computer made up of the CPU, memory and related electronics (main cabinet), all the peripheral devices connected to it and its operating system. Computer systems fall into two categories: clients and servers.

A “User” is any person registered to use the computer system executing the method of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device of the present invention is a physical target that can be attached to a smartphone or other similar mobile device for providing a laser or projectile firearm target and an application software for providing, controlling, and recording practice sessions.

The present invention combines physical targets and software into one effective training system. The laser or projectile targeting device and software application is compatible with all laser devices (LASERLYTE, LASERAMMO, ITARGET, MANTIS LASER ACADEMY, LASERHIT, G-SIGHT, PINK RHINO, ELMS, etc.).

The present invention teaches the combination of a base target, an attachment clip located on a front or backside of a colored, interchangeable screens that can be removably attached to the base target, variably-sized and shaped adapters, which are removably attached to the base target and cover the interchangeable screens. The items of the present invention can be stored and transported in an EVA Hard Carry Case or other cases. The sizes and shapes can vary.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention can be used in combination with an anti-slip, foldable phone stand/holder with adjustable angle and height or tripods.

The software application taught by the present invention enables a pluarality of features, including a par time feature, a number of shots feature, an auto restart feature, and customizable sound files.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention showing a phone stand with a smartphone resting on the stand and the shot sensing device clipped to the upper right corner of the smartphone.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating an orange target, with a circular covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating a white target, with a square covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating an orange target, with an uncovered circular area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating a white target, with a circular covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating a green target, with a circular covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating a green target, with a square covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating an orange target, with a square covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating a green target, with an uncovered circular area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 10 is a perspective image of the device and method taught by the present invention which illustrates that any covering can be used over the smartphone will running the software application of the present invention to record laser shot detection.

FIG. 11 is a perspective front view of the clip on attachment taught by the present invention for laser shot detection, this embodiment illustrating an orange target and circular covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 12 is a perspective rear view of the clip apparatus on the clip attachment taught by the present invention for laser shot detection, the clip apparatus attaching the clip attachment to a smartphone.

FIG. 13 is a perspective front view of the clip attachment attached to a smartphone and resting on a phone holder with the software application running for easy positioning for a target practice session, having an orange target and circular covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 14 is a perspective front view of the clip attachment attached to a smartphone and resting on a phone holder with the software application running for easy positioning for a target practice session, having an orange target for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 15 is a perspective front view of the clip attachment attached to a smartphone and resting on a phone holder with the software application running for easy positioning for a target practice session, having an orange target and square covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIGS. 16-22 are illustrative of the steps for changing out one colored target for a new or different colored target, where the target lens of either clear/white, orange, or green is removed from the clip attachment body and retained by compression forces and is replaced by a second lens that is pressed into place and held to the clip attachment body by compression forces.

FIG. 23 is a perspective front view of the clip attachment attached to a smartphone and resting on a phone holder with the software application running for easy positioning for a target practice session, having a green target for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary layout where multiple targets are connected wirelessly by an online network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized, and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Referring to the figures, it is possible to see the various major elements constituting the apparatus of the present invention.

The device of the present invention is a physical target that can be attached to a smartphone or other similar mobile device or wire/wireless webcams for providing a laser or projectile firearm target and an application software for providing, controlling, and recording practice sessions.

The present invention combines physical targets and software into one effective training system. The targeting device and software application is compatible with all laser devices (LASERLYTE, LASERAMMO, ITARGET, MANTIS LASER ACADEMY, LASERHIT, G-SIGHT, PINK RHINO, ELMS, etc.) and projectile shooting simulators.

FIG. 10 is a perspective image of the device and method taught by the present invention which illustrates that any covering can be used over the smartphone will running the software application of the present invention to record laser shot detection.

The present invention teaches the combination of a base target, an attachment clip located on a front or backside of a colored, interchangeable screens that can be removably attached to the base target, variably sized and shaped adapters, which are removably attached to the base target and cover the interchangeable screens.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating an orange target, with a circular covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating a white target, with a square covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating an orange target, with an uncovered circular area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating a white target, with a circular covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating a green target, with a circular covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating a green target, with a square covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating an orange target, with a square covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating a green target, with an uncovered circular area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 11 is a perspective front view of the clip on attachment taught by the present invention for laser shot detection, this embodiment illustrating an orange target and circular covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 12 is a perspective rear view of the clip apparatus on the clip attachment taught by the present invention for laser shot detection, the clip apparatus attaching the clip attachment to a smartphone.

FIG. 13 is a perspective front view of the clip attachment attached to a smartphone and resting on a phone holder with the software application running for easy positioning for a target practice session, having an orange target and circular covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 14 is a perspective front view of the clip attachment attached to a smartphone and resting on a phone holder with the software application running for easy positioning for a target practice session, having an orange target for shot placement and detection.

FIG. 15 is a perspective front view of the clip attachment attached to a smartphone and resting on a phone holder with the software application running for easy positioning for a target practice session, having an orange target and square covering narrowing the area for shot placement and detection.

The items of the present invention can be stored and transported in an EVA Hard Carry Case or any other carrying case.

FIGS. 16-22 are illustrative of the steps for changing out one colored target for a new or different colored target, where the target lens of either clear/white, orange, or green is removed from the clip attachment body and retained by compression forces and is replaced by a second lens that is pressed into place and held to the clip attachment body by compression forces.

FIG. 23 is a perspective front view of the clip attachment attached to a smartphone and resting on a phone holder with the software application running for easy positioning for a target practice session, having a green target for shot placement and detection.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention can be used in combination with an anti-slip, foldable stand/holder with adjustable angle and height. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention showing a phone stand with a smartphone resting on the stand and the shot sensing device clipped to the upper right corner of the smartphone or attached by other means.

In still another alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24 , an exemplary layout where multiple targets are connected wirelessly by an online network is illustrated. In this example, the targets are connected via WIFI, but they could be connected by any known wireless technology such as BLUETOOTH or NFC. In this scenario, a user can set up a plurality of targets around a room. In FIG. 24 , two targets are illustrated, but any plurality or targets around the room in various locations can be deployed. The target devices are provided with sensors for the detection of not only light but vibration or sound for target shooting with projectiles.

In the system and method taught by the present invention, the use of single or multiple targeting devices is a selectable software setting, which connects multiple electronic devices such as a smartphone or other mobile device or webcams, wherein each respective electronic device being connected to a corresponding target device and is running an application software for providing, controlling, and recording practice sessions and communicating with one or more deployed targeting devices.

In one example, a user could place a plurality of electronic devices such as a smartphone or other mobile device or webcams located in a single room or across multiple rooms in a house, apartment or other location. A user could then practice moving or sweeping through that location, identifying an shooting the plurality of targets while the application software providing, controlling, and recording the practice session and communicates with the pluarality of deployed targeting devices.

Here, each device can be running the application software providing real time feedback and information, or a single electronic device running the application software can be set to provide results and feedback.

The software application taught by the present invention enables a pluarality of features, including a par time feature, a number of shots feature, an auto restart feature, sensitivity, and number of sessions.

Under a par time feature, when a user wants to practice drawing from a holster then hit a target with one shot, all within 3 seconds, the user would set the par time setting to 3 seconds. After a start signal, the user would draw their pistol and take one shot at the target. Three seconds later the software application will emit a par time beep from the smartphone signifying the end of the session. Any hits on target after the par time signal will not be registered by the software application.

Under a number of shots feature or training sessions, the software will enable a selection of a number of shots recorded for a given session, where the session can be based on time, or a goal number, with or without an elapsed time recording for the session. This selection will indicate the number of shots for the current session.

Under an auto restart feature, the session will start without your interference or intervention. The time selection will depend on how much time a user will need to get ready for the next session. Under this selection, sessions will continue to repeat and restart until the user ends the process, or after a given number of session, or a session time limit has been reached.

A sound menu will allow the user to select from a plurality of different sound options for the gunshots ranging from various common gun make and model sounds to other, non-specific and fun gunshot sounds.

The software application system component taught by the present invention is set to run on a computing device or mobile electronic device. A computing device or mobile electronic device on which the present invention can run would be comprised of a CPU, Hard Disk Drive, Keyboard, Monitor, CPU Main Memory and a portion of main memory where the system resides and executes. Any general-purpose computer, smartphone, or other mobile electronic device with an appropriate amount of storage space is suitable for this purpose. Computer and mobile electronic devices like these are well known in the art and are not pertinent to the invention. The system can also be written in a number of different languages and run on a number of different operating systems and platforms.

Thus, it is appreciated that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variation in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the above description are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit from this method and adjustments to the design are anticipated. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given. 

1. A physical target device for attachment to an electronic device for dry laser firearm training, the target device comprising a body defining a base target; an attachment clip located on one side of the base target external surface for attaching the target device to an electronic device; interchangeable screens that can be removably attached to the opposing side of the attachment clip located on one side of the base target external surface; and one or more target shape adapters that can be removably connected to the body covering the interchangeable screens; and sensors for the detection of light, vibration, or sound for detecting target shooting.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the interchangeable screens are green, orange, and white.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the target shape adapter is a square.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the square shaped target adapter is 1.5 inches×1.5 inches.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the target shape adapter is a circle.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the circle shaped target adapter has a diameter of ¾ inch.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising in combination a dry fire laser firearm; application software being executed by the electronic device providing, controlling, and recording practice sessions; and sensors for the detection of light, vibration, or sound for target shooting with projectiles in communication with the attached electronic device and associated software application running on the electronic device for providing target detection via the associated software application running on the electronic device.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the clip apparatus attaching the clip attachment to an electronic device.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device components are stored and transported in an EVA Hard Carry Case.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the target lens is retained by compression forces and is pressed into place and held to the body by compression forces.
 11. The device of claim 1, further comprising in combination an anti-slip, foldable stand/holder with adjustable angle and height.
 12. The device of claim 7, wherein the software application enables a pluarality of features, including a par time feature, a number of shots feature, a sensitivity feature, a number of sessions feature, a voice of the various celebrities feature; and an auto restart feature.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein under a par time feature, a par time setting is established; a start signal is generated, the par time starts; the par time ends; a par time beep is emitted from the smartphone signifying the end of the session; hits on the target during the par time are recorded, registered, and presented; and any hits on target after the par time signal will not be registered by the software application.
 14. The device of claim 12, wherein under a number of shots feature or training sessions, the software will enable a selection of a number of shots recorded for a given session, the session can be based on time, or a goal number, with or without an elapsed time recording for the session; and this selection will indicate the number of shots for the current session.
 15. The device of claim 12, wherein under an auto restart feature, the session will start without your interference or intervention; the time selection will depend on how much time a user will need to get ready for the next session; under this selection, sessions will continue to repeat and restart until the user ends the process, or after a given number of session, or a session time limit has been reached.
 16. The device of claim 12, wherein a sound menu will allow the user to select from a plurality of different sound options for the gunshots ranging from various common gun make and model sounds to other, non-specific and fun gunshot sounds.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein the body defining a base target has a cylindrical shape.
 18. A method for combining laser firearm or non-firearm target or force on force training with an electronic device providing a physical target and software, comprising a target device comprising a body defining a base target; an attachment clip located on one side of the base target external surface; interchangeable screens that can be removably attached to the opposing side of the attachment clip located on one side of the base target external surface; and one or more target shape adapters that can be removably connected to the body covering the interchangeable screens; a dry fire laser firearm; an electronic device having a display and capable of running application software; application software being executed by the smart phone providing, controlling, and recording practice sessions; the clip apparatus attaching the clip attachment to the electronic device.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the software application enables a pluarality of features, including a par time feature, a number of shots feature, a sensitivity feature, a number of sessions feature, a voice of the various celebrities feature; and an auto restart feature. under a par time feature, a par time setting is established; a start signal is generated, the par time starts; the par time ends; a par time beep is emitted from the smartphone signifying the end of the session; hits on the target during the par time are recorded, registered, and presented; and any hits on target after the par time signal will not be registered by the software application; under a number of shots feature or training sessions, the software will enable a selection of a number of shots recorded for a given session, the session can be based on time, or a goal number, with or without an elapsed time recording for the session; and this selection will indicate the number of shots for the current session; and under an auto restart feature, the session will start without your interference or intervention; the time selection will depend on how much time a user will need to get ready for the next session; under this selection, sessions will continue to repeat and restart until the user ends the process, or after a given number of session, or a session time limit has been reached.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein multiple target devices are connected wirelessly by an online network; a plurality of target devices around deployed; target devices are provided with sensors for the detection of not only light, vibration, or sound for target shooting with projectiles. the use of single or multiple targeting devices is a selectable software setting, which connects multiple electronic devices, wherein each respective electronic device being connected to a corresponding target device and is running an application software for providing, controlling, and recording practice sessions and communicating with one or more deployed targeting devices; and each electronic device is either, running the application software providing real time feedback and information, or a single electronic device is running the application software set to provide results and feedback. 